Canadian Indie Highlight – Leopard Leaps from Canada to Festivals
Canadian indie cinema continues to punch above its weight, and the latest proof is Leopard, a short film that blends sibling drama, immigrant experiences, and high-flying Kung Fu action. Directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Dan Abramovici, this 11-minute film made its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival on October 25, 2025, marking a bold leap from its Canadian roots to international recognition.
With humour, heart, and jaw-dropping martial arts, Leopard is a thrilling reminder that Canadian stories can resonate far beyond our borders.
The Story – Family, Friction, and Finding Identity
At its heart, Leopard is a story about siblings trying to find their place in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Tish and Diego are navigating life after immigrating to Canada, caught between the culture they came from and the one they now live in. Diego’s jealousy and frustration clash with Tish’s artistic confidence, setting the stage for both heartfelt moments and over-the-top Kung Fu showdowns.
The film captures the delicate balance of family dynamics, personal ambition, and the search for belonging. It’s a story that’s funny, emotional, and action-packed, proving that short films can be just as bold and cinematic as features.
Behind the Camera – Dan Abramovici’s Vision
Toronto-based filmmaker Dan Abramovici brings a deeply personal touch to Leopard. Immigrating to Canada as a teenager without knowing English, he discovered language, connection, and belonging through film and television. “Shows like Freaks and Geeks and Animaniacs were how I learned to connect with people,” he recalls (quote from medium.com). These early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to storytelling about identity, self-discovery, and life in the in-between.
Abramovici first made waves with his debut feature Ben’s At Home, a micro-budget indie that won Best Feature at the Canadian Film Festival, earned a Canadian Comedy Award, and streamed on Netflix.
From there, he honed his craft through writing and directing shorts like Liminal and Play It Again, winning awards at festivals such as Raindance, HollyShorts, and the Austin International Film Festival.
His work is marked by flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. “A film gets written three times,” he explains, by the screenwriter, on set, and again in the edit. This philosophy is evident in Leopard, which balances comedy, drama, and action while exploring the immigrant experience.
Abramovici’s approach combines technical skill with heart. From securing collaborators like J.K. Simmons for Spaceman to championing the perfect song by Thom Yorke, he demonstrates how persistence, sincerity, and creative vision can bring ambitious projects to life. His films often explore identity, self-expression, and the search for belonging, themes drawn directly from his own experiences growing up between cultures.
With Leopard, Abramovici continues to blend personal storytelling with cinematic flair, proving why he’s one of Canada’s most compelling indie filmmakers.
The Team – Bringing Leopard to Life
A strong creative team helps Leopard leap off the screen. Producers Myrthin Stagg and Kate Forrest, known for their work on Play It Again, Capacity, and Stuck, helped shape the film’s polished, cinematic look.
On screen, Emma Ho shines as Tish, bringing a mix of confidence, humour, and heart. Ho’s credits include The Expanse, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Titans. Opposite her, Luca Villacis plays Diego, balancing comedic timing with emotional depth. Villacis has appeared in The Boys, Station Eleven, and Channel Zero.
With a runtime of 11 minutes, a $100,000 production budget, and filmed on the Alexa Mini, Leopard delivers a cinematic experience that feels far larger than its short runtime. Every detail, from action choreography to expressive performances, reflects the dedication of this talented team.
Themes That Resonate – Belonging and Cultural Balance
Leopard isn’t just a fun, action-packed short; it’s a story about identity, family, and finding where you belong. Tish and Diego’s struggles reflect the experience of many immigrant families: balancing the traditions of their past with the pressures of fitting into a new culture.
Through humour, sibling rivalry, and even Kung Fu, the film explores self-expression and confidence in a way that feels universal. Dan Abramovici’s own experiences growing up in Canada shine through, giving the story authenticity and emotional depth.
This mix of comedy, drama, and action demonstrates how Canadian indie cinema can tell stories that are both deeply personal and widely relatable, proving that short films can have a big impact on audiences around the world.
Looking Ahead – The Future for Leopard and Its Creator
Leopard made its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival (AFF) on October 25, 2025, a major milestone for any short film. AFF is renowned for highlighting emerging talent and strong storytelling, making it the perfect launchpad for Abramovici’s latest work.
Leopard is just the latest step in Dan Abramovici’s rising career. His upcoming feature film, Searching for Marceau, is already generating buzz, with recognition on Coverfly and accolades from competitions like the Academy Nicholl Fellowship and Shore Scripts.
The short acts as a proof of concept, demonstrating his ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with visuals and action. As Leopard continues its festival run, it not only elevates Abramovici’s profile but also highlights the strength and diversity of Canadian indie cinema.
Wrapping Up
Leopard is more than a short film; it’s a testament to the creativity, diversity, and ambition of Canadian indie cinema. As it continues to screen at festivals, Leopard proves that Canadian filmmakers like Dan Abramovici can make stories that resonate worldwide, reminding audiences that sometimes the smallest films can make the biggest leaps.